The Monk of Mokha: Dave Eggers

This is an extraordinary true story that is more compelling and incredible than most fiction. I really thought it was a novel - and if it was, it would be an excellent one. Eggers' writing is so good and entertaining that the reading experience is much closer to a novel, although some parts are more fact-heavy than others. The subject of the book is Mokhtar, a young American who finds his calling in reviving the fortunes of Yemeni coffee. Unfortunately he chooses a time of great politic unrest to start his project, and finds himself caught up in the civil war. However despite his life being at risk, he remains determined to improve the lot of coffee farmers in the wartorn country and goes to unbelievable lengths to set up his export business.It would make a fantastic film - it's got all the excitement, and Hollywood would love the rags to riches story. Mokhtar is a wonderful character - both ordinary and extraordinary, and shows how an average person can achieve incredible things in the right circumstances. It's an inspiring story that shows sometimes real life can be better and stranger than fiction, and that happy endings can occur. Even in the midst of war and despair, hope and improvement are possible - and can be achieved by ordinary people.It's the most uplifting thing I've read in a long time, and I have nothing but admiration for the young man who set out to do something worthwhile, and wouldn't let anything stand in his way. I'd highly recommend this book, which is as pleasurable a read as any novel due to its fiction-like excitement and good writing,, especially if you're feeling down.

Uplifting and amazing read - and I don't even drink coffee. The story about the man's interactions with the family that effectively grows the best coffee beans in the world moves the heart and soul.

Really excellent book could not put it down Story of the author exploring the Yemen coffee growing regions to bring back to the USA the first coffee for sale with a lot of adventures along the way in war torn Yemen.Although hard to believe some of the very best coffee comes from this area where it all started hundreds of years ago,well worth a read.

Having lived and worked in Yemen and experienced about a millionth of what Mokhtar must have, from a very different perspective, i found this book extremely convincing and authentic in its storytelling. It told a truth for many, and a reality that so many could never imagine, but showed the connectedness we all have through one thing or another.Really beautiful flow, read the whole book in a day, literally didn’t put it down except for lunch.Would recommend to anyone interested in Yemen, history, travel, culture or coffee :)

Loved this book as it took you on a journey from San Francisco to Yemen and back. Follow the scent of coffee. Rich is every way!

Dave Eggers is a bit uneven when he writes fiction but I do enjoy his narrative non-fiction. Zeitoun was wonderful and this is also a terrific read. It's about a young Muslim Yemeni American who is floundering a bit in his life when he learsn how Yemen is where coffee originated and falls on the idea of importing coffee from Yemen into the US. He knows nothing about coffee, nothing about running a business, nothing about how to import goods into the US. Oh and a Civil War is about to break out in Yemen.I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did but it tears along and is just a very well told, fascinating story. Like Zeitoun, it also encompasses some of the issues that Muslim immigrants face in the US, which is highly topical.

A beautiful story of Yemeni coffee and one man’s sheer grit and determination at ensuring people around the world get the chance to brew and savour the Yemeni bean and superb story telling which will keep the pages turning and the coffee coming.

If you want to know about coffee, Yemen and more this is a good read. Explains about the process and processing of coffee, the people and organisations behind the brew. Goes someway to explain the high price of specialist coffees

What a great story! I picked up this book, thinking it was similar to assignment Rosti book I just finished reading, which was more of a fable. I would still light it to learn that this was a true story.Having spent time in the Middle East, I know something of its gloried past. I loved learning more about Yemen. I had no idea the Yemini were the first to brew coffee. I’m so glad that there is someone making it worthwhile for the farmers to grow coffee again rather than qat. This is the type of tale that helps you understand why America is a land of immigrants. Yes, they came for a better life, but they also came, hoping to make life better for those they left behind. Moktar truly is able to do thatDespite the fact that he seems worthless, once he found his dream, his passion, there was no stopping him from succeeding. I can’t wait to discuss the story with my book group. I’m eager to hear their insights into the tale.

Eggers is a fantastic writer and this is an exciting, fascinating story that made me want to finish it in one sitting. It also exposed me to worlds I knew nothing about (Coffee, Yemen, and its culture).Highly recommended!

nice read

Sterk beschreven op waarheid berustend. Voor koffie kenners zoals ik, extra informatief

This is not just a story about getting some coffee beans from Yemen to Frisco. This is a story about how a man can fight against all odds to conquer the goal he has set for himself. I am absolutely sold by Mokhtar's Journey and what he has achieved in his life. A must read for anyone who is going through rough patches in life.